Andy Serkis (the Gollum/Smeagol) said that in an interview with Digital Spy that, "It is, apparently! At some point towards the end of this year, I expect it'll start kicking off."

Now, Sir Ian McKellen also mentioned in his website that the movie will begin filming "at a time to be announced."

What does the studio that owns the rights to The Hobbit holds? Nothing. MGM is currently on humongous debts and negotiations have been conducted to sell the rights to other companies; including Time Warner (New Line), Access Industries and LionsGate, although the latter has pulled out of the bid. Delay in filming means the release date of 2011 or 2012 look doubtful.